Employment

Expats are an essential component of the Dutch workforce, and office life has its cultural quirks.

• The Dutch workforce is internationally oriented, highly educated and multilingual.
• Workers’ rights are strongly protected, and unemployment is at 6 percent (July 2016).
• Demand for highly skilled workers remains high and there are incentives for international employees, such as the 30 percent ruling (a tax benefit scheme), and a fast-track immigration programme for highly skilled migrants and entrepreneurs.
• The GVVA (gecombineerde vergunning voor verblijf en arbeid) is a single permit that combines the residence and work permit into one so employers no longer need to apply for a separate work permit for labour migrants.
• Under the ‘Modern Migration Policy Act, if a worker needs a Dutch entry visa (MVV) and/or residence permit, their employer in the Netherlands can apply on the employee’s behalf while they are still abroad, with fast-track applications possible for companies that are ‘recognised’ by the IND (www.ind.nl has a list).

Read more about Employment in the Netherlands at the Expatica website and in the Expat Survival Guide. 

Check out the exhibitors at the Expat Fair about Employment.